Celebrating 60 years of the IUCN Red List: The power of data in biodiversity conservation

On 28 October 2024, the International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN ) will celebrate 60 years of the IUCN Red List at COP16 Colombia .

This event marks a pivotal moment in biodiversity conservation, highlighting the critical role of data in safeguarding species worldwide.

Among the attendees will be the L’OCCITANE Group , a long-time endorser of IUCN, underscoring how high-level principles and data such as the IUCN Red List have shaped its Biodiversity Strategy.

What is the IUCN Red List?

Since 1964, the IUCN Red List has been a key global resource for assessing species’ extinction risk.

More than just a list, it provides essential data to help scientists, governments and conservationists devise strategies to protect species and ecosystems. It’s a vital tool in the global fight against biodiversity loss.

Impact on the L’OCCITANE Group

For the L’OCCITANE Group, partnering with the French Committee of IUCN since 2016 has played a key role in shaping its sustainability efforts, including a full evaluation of L’OCCITANE en Provence’s value chain – from raw material sourcing to manufacturing and logistics – and the development of an action plan to mitigate harm on biodiversity.

Indeed, this collaboration led to the creation of the company’s first Biodiversity Strategy in 2021.

It also contributed to the production of the IUCN Red List of Mediterranean ecosystems in France. This marked a crucial step in the company’s journey to support global conservation efforts.

The power of data

Data from the IUCN Red List is part of a suite of reference tools that are helping businesses shift their approach to nature, taking into consideration changes in biodiversity and recognising its value. It is central to the L’OCCITANE Group’s Biodiversity Strategy .

In 2024, the company updated this strategy, setting specific targets and identifying biodiversity risks, such as the effects of land use change and water usage. By using science-based data, the company ensures its sustainability efforts align with global conservation goals.

Data-driven conservation in action

L’OCCITANE en Provence and Melvita , have implemented the Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN) for nature framework to assess impacts on nature and set targets for land and freshwater.

For the past two years, the company has supported a project in Indonesia to protect 8,000 hectares of forest tied to its supply chain.

By promoting regenerative agriculture, the company protects ecosystems that are home to endangered, vulnerable and protected species, while also supporting local communities.

The raw truth

The L’OCCITANE Group aims to ensure that its raw materials are sustainably sourced through stringent audits and compliance with international standards like the Nagoya Protocol. This facilitates the ethical use of biodiversity resources, benefiting local communities and protecting natural ecosystems.

Wild at heart

The L’OCCITANE Group is keen to highlight the differences between the use of wild and cultivated plants, while ensuring that its sustainable principles are upheld in both cases.

For example, the company works with local producers in Burkina Faso to ensure that wild, organic shea butter is protected and sustainably sourced.

When it comes to cultivating plants, the Groups is shifting towards agroecology and regenerative practices, drawing inspiration from natural forest cycles. Immortelle, one of L’OCCITANE en Provence’s iconic ingredients, is notably cultivated in Corsica in such as a way that it protects the existing wild variety.

Looking ahead

As the IUCN Red List celebrates its 60th anniversary, this is a moment to remember data’s critical role in conservation.

For the L’OCCITANE Group, the insights from the Red List have been instrumental in aligning its sustainability goals with global conservation priorities.

As L’OCCITANE en Provence CEO Adrien Geiger put it: ‘Now, more than ever, it’s time for action to protect the planet’s fragile ecosystems.’

At COP16, the L’OCCITANE Group will join forces with other like-minded businesses to drive business support for action on biodiversity.

For the Group and fellow advocates, scientific data and tools like the IUCN Red List are critical resources, guiding their efforts towards a future where business and biodiversity thrive together.

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